Andrew Zimmern Guides Five People Through Trips of a Lifetime on “Big Country”

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of U.S. Cellular. The opinions and text are all mine.

I’ve been traveling since I was a small child and plan to continue until I’m no longer able to. The fact that I can travel isn’t lost on me and it’s a privilege that I am deeply grateful for (and one that I work very hard to make a reality).

That being said, for one reason or another, millions of Americans haven’t left their home state. Not everyone has the opportunity to explore the country whether it’s time, money or obligations holding them back. Life happens.

This is why U.S. Cellular created a 5-part original series in partnership with the Travel Channel and Food Network called Big Country where they give five every day Americans the trip of a lifetime. The lucky participants stay connected to family and friends back home by sharing photos and updates over mobile using U.S Cellular’s nationwide coverage. And, guess who their guide is? It’s Andrew Zimmern who I adore watching on the Travel Channel’s Bizzarre Foods. I would love to walk a city with him. Even my 8-year-old daughter is a fan of his.

The first episode of Big Country takes a hardworking dad, Julius, from his small town of McKinleyville, CA to bustling New York City. I often find the contrast between the Big Apple and my hometown of San Diego to be extreme (in a good way) so can only imagine how it feels to arrive for the first time having never been there.

The day Julius spends with Andrew is nothing short of amazing and starts with a helicopter tour of New York City’s major sights, progresses to selfies of the two of them noshing on hot dogs and pretzels (a must in my book when in NYC) and then pauses for what looks like an incredible burger — Andrew says it’s the best in the city so it’s now on my to-do list — at Minetta Tavern in Greenwich Village. (See, there are also travel tips galore on the show.)

At one point, I admit to tearing up a little. In a moment of complete awe, Julius makes an emotional call to his dad from the middle of Times Square. I’ve stood in that same spot and felt the same way. They call it ” The Crossroads of the World” for a reason. There are blinking neon lights, you can see where they drop the famous New Year’s Eve ball, where so many scenes from TV and movies are filmed. It’s one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. (If we’re talking about milestones, my daughter would tell you the fact that it’s home to the the world’s largest Toys”R”Us is totally important.)

You Could Be on Big Country

U.S. Cellular is looking to cast one more special customer to take on a trip of a lifetime for the season finale of Big Country! Please visit the link to apply for the opportunity to find yourself in the middle of anywhere with national coverage from U.S. Cellular and TV host Andrew Zimmern on the show Big Country.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of US Cellular. The opinions and text are all mine.

About Me

I'm Katie Dillon, a luxury travel writer and luxury hotel expert who lives in seaside La Jolla, CA. This is where I document my recent trips around the world, the latest San Diego happenings and other fun lifestyle topics. CST# 2011220-40

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